A little less than a year ago I set out to write my second, full-length, screenplay. I actually don't count my first since it was for a final in my last symester of college. After beginning my script I saw some problems and wasn't sure how to proceed, and then Blake came to my rescue with his book, Save the Cat.I read it and reread it. It was awesome. He boiled down everything I needed to finish my screenplay. And now I can honestly say that I believe my screenplay is a masterpiece (in spite of the fact that it may or may not ever be made into a movie), and I have Blake to thank, because, even though my mother said it was too bloody, even though the folks I wrote it for never really read it, even the nice producer who thanked me for thinking of him probably stopped reading it after he noted there were people smoking in the scene (oh heavens!), I know it is a fantastic story. No exclamation point needed.
As for Save the Cat, I have even given the book to several people, and recommended it to many more. I've even mentioned him on my blog post a few months ago, simply because I owed him a debt of gratitude.
And while some of my comments were critical, I did actually write the words,
And while some of my comments were critical, I did actually write the words,
The lessons Mr. Snyder teaches in these two books (Save the Cat and Save the Cat Goes to the Movies) are, for the most part, some of the most important lessons about writing good stories that I've ever read. I think he may end up becoming one of the men who change the world, at least for screenwriters and film promoters ...
And, I do truly believe Mr. Snyder will go down in history as one of the more influential men in the entertainment industry. Sadly, people never truly get the credit until after they die.
Blake's understanding of story and film was profound, at least it meant a lot to me. I even recently sent the book to Gabe Newell of Valve Software, hoping that it would spark them on to greater things. Who knows, maybe they'll even read it.
Hell... I even have to confess that I wrote an element of Blake into my story. If it ever goes to film you will see. If not, you will at least read it in my novel.
Blake's understanding of story and film was profound, at least it meant a lot to me. I even recently sent the book to Gabe Newell of Valve Software, hoping that it would spark them on to greater things. Who knows, maybe they'll even read it.
Hell... I even have to confess that I wrote an element of Blake into my story. If it ever goes to film you will see. If not, you will at least read it in my novel.
Sadly, Blake has left us as of 4 August 2009, and I am deeply sorry for his loss, and ours. Blake you will be missed. Thanks for helping me, and for the help I expect Save the Cat will bring me in the future. Goodbye Blake. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Wade Buffington
